Cure4CF Update

Team Ella was created for one very special reason: Michelle and Shane’s daughter, Ella.

At just eight years old, Ella lives with cystic fibrosis (CF), a lifelong condition that requires daily treatments, ongoing medical care and extraordinary resilience.

This year, Michelle and a group of friends are taking on the Great Escape Oz Car Rally, travelling from Griffith in New South Wales to South Australia to raise funds for vital CF research through Cure4CF.

Their efforts have already inspired an incredible response, with Team Ella raising over $20,000 and receiving support from businesses and community members both within and beyond their local Victorian community.

For Michelle, every dollar raised is about helping create a better future for her daughter and everyone living with CF.

“Raising money for research makes me feel like I’m doing the best I can to make Ella’s future better, as well as everyone else’s living with CF. As a parent, you’d do anything to help find a cure.”

That determination began when Ella was just six weeks old.

Michelle received a phone call advising that newborn screening had identified the possibility that Ella may have CF. Two inconclusive sweat tests followed, bringing moments of hope before blood tests eventually confirmed the diagnosis.

“Each inconclusive result gave us hope that she might be in the clear,” Michelle said.

“When the final results came back confirming she had CF, our hearts broke. During the waiting period I’d spent time Googling and reading the worst. It probably took me six months before I could talk about it without crying.”

Today, Ella continues to inspire those around her.

“Ella does her physio without too much resistance. She knows why she has to do it and the consequences of not doing it. She’s inspiring in so many ways with how she handles her health.”

The decision to support Cure4CF came after Michelle learned more about the research projects being funded and the impact they could have on the lives of people living with CF.

One recent reminder of why that work matters came in the form of a Christmas wish that stopped Michelle in her tracks.

“This year Ella’s letter to Santa was a tough one to read. She asked Santa for a cure.”

While Team Ella has already achieved an incredible fundraising result, the group is continuing to push towards their goal through donations, competitions and community events. Michelle will even be taking their rally car, Dorothy, to local markets to help raise awareness.

The support has been overwhelming.

“We’ve had a lot of local businesses jump on board so far, but also businesses outside our local area who’ve heard Ella’s story and want to help.”

For Michelle, awareness is just as important as fundraising.

“So many people don’t know what CF is. By sharing snippets of our journey, people are gaining a better understanding.”

As Team Ella prepares for the long journey across Australia, Michelle hopes their efforts show Ella that every effort counts.

“I think participating will make Ella proud and show her that we need to make every effort to help with treatments and a cure.”

Because until there is a cure, families like Ella’s will continue doing everything they can to help create a brighter future for everyone living with CF.